Name: NESTOR P. BELLO JR.

Section: BSMT-1A8
WEEK NO. 3

What new information have I learned about GPS operation and how important
it is for position fixing?

As we all know, GPS uses the ranging principle to fix the ship. What I
gained from how GPS operates and how it is important in position fixing is the
idea that GPS concept is based on time and the known position of specialized
satellites. The satellites carry very stable atomic clocks that are synchronized to
each other and to ground clocks. Any drift from true time maintained on the
ground is corrected daily. Likewise, the satellite locations are known with the
great precision. GPS receivers have clocks as well; however, they are not
synchronized with true time, and are less stable. GPS satellites continuously
transmit their current time and position. A GPS receiver monitors multiple
satellites and solves equations to determine the precise position of the receiver
and its deviation from true time. The time difference between data transmitted
from the satellite and its reception at the receiver is measured and integrated
with the speed of light.
It is also stated in the week 3 module how WAAS worked with the GPS.
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is a GPS navigation system which
applies correction data by means of geostationary satellites. How the GPS being
operated is very important in position fixing since the locations of the satellites
are determined using tracking from ground stations. The ground stations use
mechanisms such as radar, signal doppler, and laser reflectors to pinpoint the
position of a satellite and to maintain an understanding of its orbital elements.